Aspiration Precautions in Nursing Homes

What is the primary goal of the aspiration policy at Woodside Manor Nursing Home?

How should residents under aspiration precautions be positioned during meals?

What action should a nurse take if a resident coughs while ingesting food or fluids?

Which team member is responsible for completing the swallow evaluation for residents on aspiration precautions?

What is the significance of the yellow dot in the nursing home?

What must be documented if a diet consistency is downgraded due to a resident's coughing?

Why is a nurse required to be present during meals for residents on aspiration precautions?

What action is taken when aspiration precautions are indicated on transfer orders?

Aspiration Precautions Policy

Woodside Manor Nursing Home prioritizes resident well-being and allows residents to eat timely, while managing aspiration precautions.

Procedure

If aspiration precautions are needed, orders are transcribed to admission orders.
A swallow evaluation by a speech pathologist is required.
If a speech pathologist recommends precautions, a medical provider order is obtained and the dietitian is informed.

Reminders

Residents at risk for aspiration are supervised during meals (nursing staff member in view at mealtimes or high observation areas).
Resident headbeds are kept upright.
Residents must remain upright for 30 minutes after meals.
Residents must be closely monitored by a nurse during all oral intake (fluids, food, and medications) to prevent choking. Nursing interventions include abdominal thrusts, suctioning, or CPR.
Aspiration precautions are indicated on medical orders, dietary cards, and care cards.
A yellow dot marks residents. This can be applied to care cards, resident IDs, and room numbers.
If a resident coughs while eating, the nurse may adjust the diet/consistency of fluids based on nursing judgment.
A progress note in the EHR must include vital signs.
Medical provider, speech pathologist, and dietary department must be notified. This notification and adjustment are documented in the Provider Logbook.
The dietary adjustment remains until the medical provider and speech pathologist give further recommendations.
These subsequent adjustments are recorded within 24 hours.

This quiz covers the policies and procedures related to aspiration precautions at Woodside Manor Nursing Home. Learn about the importance of timely meals, swallow evaluations, and monitoring residents to enhance their safety during oral intake. Understanding these practices is crucial for ensuring the well-being of residents at risk for aspiration.